Sinead McBreen claimed she had been advised to have a termination, but went on to give birth to daughter Grace. Ms McBreen claimed mothers of children with Down Syndrome had come to her with similar stories and were "told their child wouldn't survive. The pressure is there already".

American former abortionist Dr Anthony Levatino, campaigning for pro-life group Women Hurt, said he'd carried out thousands of abortions - but after the death of his daughter, he perceived a foetus as a "daughter or son".

But Union of Students in Ireland president Annie Hoey said: "When we hear horror practices, it's important we call them out . . . They are designed to cause upset and horror. Safe abortions happen every day across the world."

A member of the Citizens' Assembly questioned how the Church could comment on abortion after the unearthing of baby graves.

Bishop of Limerick Brendan Leahy said: "We're as shocked about this as everyone else but it brings home to us the key point that a society has - to both the born and unborn - welcome them, care for them and protect them."